Temporary pipe across river

Media release issued Wednesday 7 September 2011

Barwon Water has started work on a temporary sewer pipe across the Anglesea River.

The above-ground pipe is the first stage in replacing the damaged sewer main, which was shut down on August 8.

General Manager Water Systems Carl Bicknell said the temporary pipeline was being constructed from the Coogoorah Park recreation reserve, on the west side of the river, to the corner of Wray Street and Bingley Parade on the east side.

"The temporary pipe will allow the transfer of recycled water from Aireys Inlet and domestic sewage from west Anglesea to continue while the new sewer main is bored beneath the river bed," Mr Bicknell said.

"The temporary bypass will remove the need for trucks to cart sewage to the nearby Anglesea water reclamation plant."

The bypass will follow existing walking tracks. It is expected to be operating within six weeks, subject to obtaining necessary approvals.

Mr Bicknell said it would be necessary to establish fenced-off construction areas on either side of the river and some walking paths through Coogoorah Park and across the river would be closed to protect public safety.

The paths would be closed for three consecutive days next week to pull the pipeline from the west to east side of the river.

"While there will be some inconvenience, we ask residents to be patient," Mr Bicknell said.

He said Barwon Water was aiming to complete the replacement main before Christmas.

The project is being undertaken by the Barwon Water Alliance. Further updates will be provided on Barwon Water's website.